Monday, November 30, 2009

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and was able to celebrate with loved ones.

We returned home last evening after having a great Thanksgiving visit at Casey's in South Carolina!!

What nice memories he made having his grandparents over to share the Thanksgiving meal. That's my mom standing next to Casey.

I took the full moon photo last night just after we crossed into Virginia. It looks more like the sun - it was so bright.

The next photo was taken from Virginia looking out at the famous North Carolina Pilot Mountain and the knob on top - referred to by most as Pilot's Knob. If you click on the photo, it will enlarge and you will get a better view of the knob.

This next photo is an evening shot of the North Carolina mountains.

This beautiful vining mandavilla was still blooming for Amanda.

I was quite happy how close this heron let me get to him to take this photo - I took one step too close, though, and he took flight in the next photo.

The pond across from Casey and Amanda's seems to be a resting spot for many Canadian Geese.

While taking pictures at the pond, I had to be very careful of the fire ant hills. The last photo shows one of the larger ones. Having sandles on....I would not have been happy had I stepped on one.

I was surprised, and honored, with this Honest Scrap Award, given to me by Anne, ofEl Milagro Studio. The award is for honest blogging. I am to mention and link the giver in this post: http://elmilagrostudio.blogspot.com

Thank you, Anne.

I am also supposed to list 10 things about myself. Not an easy task. What can I tell you that will help you to know me better? Since we are in the midst of Thanksgiving preparations, I won't spend a lot of time thinking too hard on this, so here goes:

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1. I hate slapstick and comedy that is stupid. I lean toward serious movies and the like. I enjoy coming away from a movie with something to ponder.

2. I am highly offended when Religion is used in jokes and such. I don't like to see God or His name used in any way that is not in His honor.

3. I'm a peacemaker. All of my life I have tried to keep everyone around me "happy" so there would be no unrest.

4.I spent about the first third of my life as somewhat of an introvert. I was quiet and uncomfortable in group settings. No more! Somewhere along the line, I realized that we are all human and no one is "better" than anyone else. Life is much more fun being more of an extrovert with just the right amount of aggressiveness. I know that I can be myself with no pretension.

5. For many years, I lacked the confidence needed to get out there and pursue my dreams. Of course there was family to be raised, time constraints, and life got in the way. Being older and wiser now, I feel I could tackle just about anything I set my mind to.

6. I've had Bells Palsy twice in my life. Once is rare, twice is really rare. First time was on the left side of my face ~ second time the right side. Paralysis of the face is something I would wish on no one. Medication and therapy brought my left side back to normal. On the right side, I've been left with a little numb sensation around my mouth and eye.

7. I'm a seashell collector. I have thousands of shells - in boxes, in glass vessels, in my flowerbeds, in my fountains..... I love the sea and the shells it provides. One of my life dreams was to live in a cottage by the sea. Having had the opportunity to live in Charleston, SC, last year.......I now prefer the mountains.

8.For a good part of my life, I felt that my art was not good enough. In recent years, I have claimed to be an artist, I am proud to be an artist, and I like the things I paint.

9. I passed up several cost free trips to Italy and Switzerland because of my fear of flying.

10.I am older... I am wiser.... I WISH I'D KNOW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW !!!

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Now, I am to pass this on to 10 bloggers I feel have honest blogs. I think all the blogs that I read on a daily basis are written by honest people. You can tell by the content and if I didn't think these people were honest, I wouldn't be reading the things they write. There will be duplication - it can't be helped - some people have outstanding blogs and have already received this award.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Sunday, November 22, 2009

May I suggest you take the time today to thank God for all of your blessings? If you can't make it to church, take a few minutes at home ~ find a quiet spot maybe in the backyard, on the porch, in your bedroom..... He has made all things possible and given us the food on our tables, the roof over our heads, our families, our friends, our possessions, our talents, everything that brings us even a little happiness each and every day. Ponder on the beauty that surrounds us.... the sky, the trees, the lakes, the ocean, the mountains, the birds, pets, wildlife of all kinds. Think about our freedom and our ability to do and say whatever we want, to go wherever we want. Think about the look in the eyes of a small child, the smile on an infant's face, the feeling when someone you love hugs you and tells you that they love you back. Think about the hospitals, the care facilities, and all those in the medical field who devote their lives trying to mend our broken bodies and broken spirits.Reflect on your life, the people who love you, the people you love, and all the joys we take for granted every single day.As I get older, it is so much easier for me to see how important it is to have Him in my life and to acknowledge Him in any way I can. He has given me so much. The least I can do is take some time each Sunday to thank Him, to pay Him homage for His greatness, His kindness, and His mercy. I know He understands when I also ask Him to keep me healthy enough to care for those I love, to help our country through this difficult time, and to bless the sick and the poor. Imagine how wonderful He would feel if we all took just a minute today to say a simple hello and thank Him. Try it.... it will make you feel good.Have a beautiful, special Sunday!I can't take credit for the photo of the church. It is a stock photograph, but I think it is a sweet church and I love that it is in the woods. I would love to go inside. Wouldn't you?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Monday, November 16, 2009

While driving the other day, I went down a side street I had not used before very close to where I live. This street sign caught my eye as I was passing a crossroad. Wouldn't it be fun to live on this street?

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Friday, November 13, 2009

When I was a little girl, we lived at my Grandfather's house for several years. He had the biggest, most beautiful weeping willow tree in his yard. I loved that tree ~ that just might have been when my deep love for trees started. I never forgot that tree and I always wanted one.

This summer, we planted a weeping willow tree in the back yard. It was thriving and I was very happy about that.

The deer never bothered it.

Until last night.

Last night they decided to snack on THE WILLOW TREE!

Looking at the picture, there was another large branch off to the left - gone. They stripped the main trunk of its bark, and they pretty much shredded the entire bottom of all its small branches.

I guess I am partly to blame. I haven't sprayed the plants for over a month now ~ I was spraying all the plants, flowers, and the willow tree all summer. I didn't want to lose that tree. ): Since the flowers are pretty much done, I stopped spraying thinking the deer wouldn't munch on the half-dead, twiggy stuff - completely forgot about the willow tree with its little, tempting leaves that were still hanging on. Also, I didn't think about the fact that if they are hungry enough, they will try to eat just about anything. I don't know if it will make it now ~ I will go out and tend to it, leave it in the ground for the winter, and see how it looks next spring.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY! Thank you to all the men and women who have served our country, keeping us safe and free.

Take some time today to honor the soldiers who have fought for our country.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistace, or temporary cessation of hostilities was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holidaydedicated to American veterans of all wars.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

I have a question. This is something I've been wondering about for some time. What exactly is response protocol when someone has left a comment on your blog?If I see a comment on my blog, a lot of times I will respond to that comment by leaving a comment of my own directly under the visitor's comment on the post. I have noticed that several people do this. However, not being sure that people actually return to that particular post, I will sometimes go to their blog and leave the comment there just to be sure they see my response to them. Obviously, this is time consuming as I am leaving a similar response twice to the same person.

What are your thoughts? Am I being too concerned with this? Once in a while, someone will say something that I really want to thank them for or I just WANT to respond. I have gotten in the habit of returning to a person's blog to see if they have responded to my comment. Does everyone do this? I am curious as to how everyone deals with this. Comments are something we all look forward to. My main concern is if someone asks a question in a comment or something does need responded to, I sure don't want to hurt anyone's feelings and have them think that I've ignored them.Thoughts? Suggestions?Thanks. Audrey

Monday, November 9, 2009

I came acrossPAY IT FORWARDon Marlene's blog and thought it sounded like a fun thing to do, so I am joining in.

I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post. I have 365 days to do it in. (No pressure.) What it will be andwhen it will arrive is aTOTAL SURPRISE! The catch is that you must participate as well:

1. Comment on this post.

2. Write aPAY IT FORWARDpost on your blog.

3. Change theFROM HERElink next to the picture above to: a link to the blog where you signed up for this. Example: I signed up on Marlene's blog, so I am linkingFROM HEREto Marlene's blog.

4. HAVE FUN!!

Will the first 3 interested people who comment and join in this venture please email me your address so I will know where to mail your handmade gift?

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"PAINT WHAT YOUR EYE CAN SEE AND GIVE IT A SOUL, YOUR SOUL, AND LET NOT THE ONLOOKERS MAKE JUDGEMENT ..... FILL YOUR MIND WITH THE WIND AND THE AIR AND COLORS OF EVERYTHING KNOWN TO MAN AND ANIMAL ALIKE."~Fabriozi 1471 - 1502 artist

BLESSED

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."

Patrick

The Cancer Candle reminding us to pray for those who need healing.

"THERE IS A CRACK IN EVERYTHING.THAT'S HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN."~Leonard Cohen

"Poets and painters are outside the class system, or rather they constitute a special class of their own, like the circus people and the gypsies."~Gerald Brenan1894-1987author, historian

"TIME IS THE COIN OF YOUR LIFE. IT IS THE ONLY COIN YOU HAVE, AND ONLY YOU CAN DETERMINE HOW IT WILL BE SPENT. BE CAREFUL LEST YOU LET OTHER PEOPLE SPEND IT FOR YOU."~Carl Sandburg 1878 - 1967 writer, poet

Two shall be born a whole wide world apart and one day out of darkness they shall stand and read life's meaning in each other's eyes.

"THE MOST VALUABLE POSSESSION YOU CAN OWN IS AN OPEN HEART. THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON YOU CAN BE IS AN INSTRUMENT OF PEACE." ~Carlos Santana

"NO LOVE, NO FRIENDSHIP CAN CROSS THE PATH OF OUR DESTINY WITHOUT LEAVING SOME MARK ON IT FOREVER."~Francois Mauriac

1885 - 1970

french author

... and he called me "artsy-craftsy"~ how foolish of me to think he understood my passion

Felted Heart by Anne

Small Format Art Group

ACEO Group Member since 2005

Art Cards, Editions and Originals

2011 ACEO Deck of Cards

2009 Double Deck of Cards

ACEO Double Deck ~ 2009

First Edition Deck ~ 2008

ACEO Deck of Cards ~ 2008

I AM A "SEARCHER"

"I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know - unless it be to share our laughter. We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love.

For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves."

~ James Kavanaugh

I am THE LOVERS Tarot Card

Motive, power, and action, arising from Inspiration and Impulse. THE LOVERS represents intuition and inspiration. Very often a choice needs to be made. Originally, this card was just called LOVE. And that's acually more apt than "LOVERS." Love follows in this sequence of growth and maturity. And, coming after the Emperor, who is about control, it is a radical change in perspective. LOVE is a force that makes you choose and decide for reasons you often can't understand; it makes you surrender control to a higher power. And that is what this card is all about. Finding something or someone who is so much a part of yourself, so perfectly attuned to you and you to them, that you cannot, dare not resist. This card indicates that you have or will come across a person, a career, challenge, or thing that you will fall in love with. You will know instinctively that you must have this, even if it means diverging from your chosen path. No matter the difficulties, without it you will never be complete.